Nevada CDL Requirements

Nevada CDL Classes

      You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Nevada (intrastate) and at least 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle outside the state of Nevada (interstate). You must also be at least 21 years old to transport materials that are deemed hazardous and to transport passengers using a commercial motor vehicle. In order to drive an over-length combination vehicle (70 feet), you must be at least 25 years of age. You need a Nevada CDL in order to operate either commercial or non-commercial motor vehicles that fall into the following categories:

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Class A
      Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds.  

Class B
      Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 or more pounds, as well as any vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed a weight of 10,000 pounds. 

Class C
      Any vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the criteria of either Class A or Class B, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or is used in transporting materials classified as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Each applicant must also have a passenger or hazardous materials endorsement in order to obtain a Class C commercial driver’s license. 

Applying for a Nevada Commercial Learner’s Permit

      You must already possess a Nevada commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Road Test. Before applying for a Nevada commercial learner’s permit, you must already possess an original valid Nevada non-commercial driver’s license. You will be issued a Nevada commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass both the written general knowledge test and the CDL Driving Skills Test. 

In order to obtain a Nevada commercial learner’s permit, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within the state of Nevada only).
• Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (inside and outside the state of Nevada).
• Be at least 21 years of age to transport materials deemed hazardous.
• Be at least 21 years of age to transport passengers in a CMV.
• Possess an original valid Nevada non-commercial driver’s license.
• Provide proof of identity (Nevada driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card).
• Provide your current out-of-state driver’s license or I.D. card (if you are not currently licensed in Nevada).
• Provide proof of your Social Security number (if you are not currently licensed in Nevada).
• Provide your certified birth certificate or passport (if you are not currently licensed in Nevada).
• Prove you are of legal U.S. status by providing the required documents.
• Provide proof of your current Nevada residency that shows your name and address (i.e., a utility bill, vehicle registration, insurance card, etc.).
• Provide your current D.O.T. Medical Examiner’s Certificate and completed Medical Examination Report (“non-excepted” drivers only).
• Provide your completed and signed Nevada Commercial Driver’s License Application.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge written test. 
• Pass the vision exam.
• Pay any applicable CDL written test fees.
• Pay the $57.25 fee to cover the cost of the commercial learner’s permit.

      If you have any questions about which documents to bring to your nearest Nevada CDL Office when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit, you can either call your local Nevada CDL Office, or you can call the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles toll-free at (877) 368-7828 option 6 and speak to a customer service representative or contact them by email at Info@dmv.nv.gov.

CDL Written Tests

      All commercial driver’s license applicants must pass the general knowledge written test in order to be eligible to receive a CDL. The CDL knowledge tests are administered in English and in written form. In order to receive a passing score, each applicant is required to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. All written tests require a score of at least 80% to pass.

      All CDL knowledge written tests are administered at the Nevada CDL Offices only. Knowledge tests are administered on a walk-in basis only. The Nevada CDL Offices do not take appointments for applications or knowledge tests. The Nevada CDL Offices tend to be busier in the afternoon so, applicants should plan accordingly. Please factor in what time the exam station closes when planning your arrival time as the CDL written tests will take approximately sixty minutes or more to complete, based on the number of tests you plan on taking.

      Once you successfully pass the CDL written tests and pay the required fees, you will be issued a commercial learner’s permit. The commercial learner’s permit will be valid for up to six months from the date it is issued and will allow you to practice driving a commercial motor vehicle.

      You may only operate a CMV under the supervision of a front seat passenger who is at least 21 years old and carries a valid CDL of the same class or greater than the class of vehicle you are operating. If you do not successfully pass the CDL Driving Skills Test and obtain your commercial driver’s license before your commercial learner’s permit expires, then you will have to repeat the entire process.  

    Over 60% of first time CDL applicants fail the written test! Be sure to download the Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package, as it contains practice tests containing questions and answers specifically designed to help you pass the actual CDL written tests administered by the DMV. You may also want to download the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package as it includes a collection of study guides with key information designed to help you rapidly learn all the sections of the CDL manual you must know in order to pass the CDL written exams.

      If you plan on taking the Hazardous Materials written test in order to obtain the Hazardous Materials Endorsement, then be sure to download and study the Hazardous Materials Test Bundle, as it contains the information you need to help you pass the Hazardous Materials written test. 

100% Money Back Guarantee!
Complete Nevada CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package

Why risk failing your CDL written exams on the first try? Get the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package and be fully prepared for your CDL written exams. Best of all, there’s a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you fail your CDL written exams!

      Our Free CDL Practice Test will help prepare you for the actual CDL knowledge tests administered by the DMV.

      Click here to see a map and clickable list of Nevada CDL Offices that offer the CDL written tests.

Applying for a Nevada Commercial Driver’s License

In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license in the state of Nevada, you must:

• Possess a valid Nevada commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
• Possess an original valid Nevada non-commercial driver’s license.
• Possess a current D.O.T. card (cannot be more than 2 years old).
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).
• Provide a test vehicle of the same class as the CDL you are testing for.
• Provide a passenger that is 21 years of age or older with a valid Nevada CDL to ride with you in your test vehicle to the test location.
• Pass the CDL Driving Skills Test.
• Pay the $30 CDL Skills Test fee (plus the additional $3.25 photo fee).
• Pay the $87.25 fee to cover the cost of the commercial driver’s license.

The CDL Driving Skills Test

      The CDL Driving Skills Test consists of a Pre-trip Inspection, a Basic Vehicle Controls Test, and an On-Road Driving Test, and must be taken in the same class and type of motor vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.  If you take the CDL Driving Skills Test in a commercial motor vehicle that is not equipped with air brakes, then you will have an air brakes restriction attached to your commercial driver’s license. 

• Pre-trip Inspection: Before you can take the CDL driving tests, you will first be tested on your knowledge of the class of vehicle you plan on driving once you obtain your CDL. The Pre-trip inspection also determines if your commercial vehicle is safe enough to drive on public roads.
• Basic Controls Test: Before you can take the CDL Road Test, you will first need to prove that you have the skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. This test consists of various off-road maneuvers such as backing up your vehicle, moving your vehicle forward, and making turns within a defined area. 
• Road Skills Test: Once you pass the first two tests, you will be required to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations. You will be required to operate the same class of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.

The Basic Controls Test may include the following maneuvers:

• 90 degree alley docking
• Straight line backing
• Parallel parking (driver side)
• Parallel parking (conventional)
• Offset back/right
• Offset back/left

The Road Skills Test will take at least 60 minutes to finish and will be administered on a route predetermined by the examiner. The test route may include the following:

• Starting
• Stopping
• Braking
• Turning
• Observing traffic signs
• Observing traffic signals
• Observing other traffic
• Using vehicle controls
• Maintaining proper lane positions
• Downgrades
• Downgrade stopping
• Upgrades
• Upgrade stopping
• Railroad crossings
• Bridge clearance
• Underpass clearance
• General observance of traffic laws
• General safe driving practices for trucks or buses

On the day of your CDL Driving Skills Test appointment you must:

1. Arrive on time.
2. Bring your commercial learner’s permit.
3. Bring your valid D.O.T. medical card.
4. Bring a passenger qualified to drive a CMV with the same class of CDL or greater than the test vehicle.
5. Bring a test vehicle that is the same class of license that you are testing for.
6. Bring the revenue needed to pay the necessary fees to obtain your commercial driver’s license.

      Failure to do any of the above may result in an immediate cancellation of your CDL Driving Skills Test appointment! The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles advises applicants to schedule their CDL Driving Skills Test appointment a few weeks in advance. The Nevada DMV has the right to cancel any CDL Driving Skills Test appointment due to bad weather, under sourced staffing, or any other unforseen circumstances.

      Once you pass the CDL Driving Skills Test and pay the required fees, you will obtain your commercial driver’s license. Be sure to download and study the Nevada Commercial Driver License Manual as it contains pertinent information that will help you pass the CDL Driving Skills Test. 

     Click here to see the map and clickable list of Nevada CDL Office locations that administer the CDL Driving Skills Test. Click here to see the map and clickable list of state certified Third Party CDL Testers that administer the CDL Driving Skills Test.

Commercial Driver Self-Certification

      In the state of Nevada, all commercial driver’s license applicants must self-certify as to what type of driving they will be doing (intrastate or interstate), and whether you are “non-excepted” (a medical examination is required) or “excepted” (a medical examination is not required). The state of Nevada is unique in the sense that there is no separate CDL self-certification form to fill out. You simply self-certify on the Nevada Commercial Driver’s License Application when you apply for your Nevada CDL.

      All commercial drivers who intend to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the following purposes only are “excepted” and do not require a medical examination:

• To transport school children and/or school staff members to and from home and school only.
• As a federal, state, or local government employee.
• As an operator of fire trucks and/or rescue vehicles during emergencies and other related activities.
• In the primary transportation of propane heating fuel during emergency conditions such as damage to a propane gas system due to a natural disaster.
• In direct response to a pipeline emergency requiring immediate attention such as a pipeline rupture or leak.
• In farm related activities such as custom harvesting when transporting farm machinery and supplies to and from a farm, market, or storage facility.
• As a beekeeper in the seasonal transportation of bees.
• Operating a CMV controlled by a farmer, that is not a combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies (must not need a hazardous materials placard) within 150 air-miles of the farm.
• As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business activities.
• To transport migrant workers.
• To transport deceased persons, sick persons, or injured persons.

      If you intend to operate a commercial motor vehicle for any other purpose than those listed above, then you are “non-excepted” and require a medical examination administered by a FMCSA certified physician.     

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

      All “non-excepted” CDL applicants must have the Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the Medical Examination Report completed by one of the following:

• Licensed U.S. doctor of medicine (M.D.)
• Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O)
• Licensed physician assistant (P.A.)
• Advanced practice registered nurse
• Chiropractor

      The Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be dated within the previous two years and attached to the Medical Examination Report. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles will only accept your medical forms if they have been completed by a qualified physician who has been certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can search for a FMCSA certified physician by using the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

      The FMSCA requires you to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees in order to be certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Under certain conditions, you may be able to be waived from these and other medical requirements.     

      Once you have completed and signed the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, the Medical Examination Report, the Nevada Commercial Driver’s License Application, and any applicable medical waivers, you can submit your documents by doing any of the following:

      A. Fax your completed and signed documents to:

• (702) 486-5625 (Fax number for the Donovan, Nevada DMV office)
• (775) 753-1127 (Fax number for the Elko, Nevada DMV office)
• (775) 688-2536 (Fax number for the Sparks, Nevada DMV office)
• (775) 623-6508 (Fax number for the Winnemucca, Nevada DMV office)

     B. Bring your completed and signed documents to any Nevada CDL Office.

     C. Mail your completed and signed documents to:

                     Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
                     4110 Donovan Way
                     North Las Vegas, NV, 89030

      D. Mail your completed and signed documents to:        

                      Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
                      810 Greg Street
                      Sparks, NV, 89431  

      First time CDL applicants who are submitting their documents in person may only do so at a Nevada CDL Office. Drivers who currently possess a Nevada CDL, can submit their DOT card, self-certify their type of driving, or transfer an existing out-of-state license at any Full Service Nevada DMV Office.

      Be sure to double check and, if needed, correct your information before you submit your documents. If you have any questions regarding self-certification, you can contact the CDL Help Desk by phone at (702) 486-5655 or (775) 688-2535 and speak to a customer service representative. You can also contact the CDL Help Desk by email at Info@dmv.nv.gov. 

Hazmat Endorsement

      Any person that is applying for a Hazardous Materials CDL endorsement is required to undergo a federal background check and federal fingerprint check according to guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration. All applicants must also provide the required documents to verify their identification and legal U.S. status. For more information, check out the Transportation Security Administration’s F.A.Q. page.

      You can apply for the security threat assessment on the TSA Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment Website. You must begin applying at least 30 days before the expiration of your CDL. You can start the application process on the HTAP Online Application Website. To apply by phone call (855) 347-8371. Use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest TSA approved fingerprint office.

Military Drivers

      In the state of Nevada, if you are currently serving in the military or have been honorably discharged within the last 90 days, and you have driven military vehicles that would require a CDL to operate as a civilian with a 2 year safe driving record, then you may qualify for the waiver of the CDL Skills Test and may be exempt from taking the commercial driver skills test. You will still be required to take the written tests. Certain restrictions apply. Download, print, and complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver to start the process. 

      If you have any questions about the Military Skills Test Waiver, you can either call your local Nevada CDL Office, or you can call the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles toll-free at (877) 368-7828 option 6 and speak to a customer service representative or contact them by email at Info@dmv.nv.gov. 

Nevada CDL Endorsements

      H      Placarded Hazmat      Required to transport hazardous materials under DOT regulations. 

      N      Tank Vehicles      Required to transport liquids in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more.

      X      Tanker/Hazardous Materials Combination   Required to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles   

      T      Double/Triple Trailers      Indicates CDL holder is certified to operate multiple trailer haulers. 

      P     Passengers      Indicates the CDL holder is certified to operate passenger vehicles.

      S     School Bus      Indicates the CDL holder is authorized to operate a school bus. The “P” endorsement is also required.

Nevada CDL Restrictions

      K      CMV Intrastate Only

      L      No Air Brakes CMV 

      M      No Class A Passenger Vehicle

      N      No Class A/B Passenger Vehicle

      O      No Tractor Trailer CMV

      V      Medical Variance Docs Required

Important Nevada Commercial Driver’s License Resources 

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package
Hazardous Materials Test Bundle
Nevada CDL Restriction Codes Chart
Nevada Commercial Driver’s License Application
Nevada Commercial Driver’s Instruction Permit Affidavit
Nevada Notification of Conviction Form
Commercial Driver’s License Qualification of Drivers
Nevada CDL Certification for Waiver of Skills Tests
Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Fact Sheet
Nevada Commercial Medical Waiver Application and Medical Evaluation
Medical Examination Report Form 649-F
Medical Examiner’s Certificate
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

      Check out our list of truck driving schools in Nevada that will provide you with the necessary skills to obtain your commercial driver’s license and start your career in the exciting field of commercial truck driving! You may also want to check out our nationwide list of truck driving schools. 

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Map of Nevada CDL Office Locations 

 Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

Map of Nevada Third Party CDL Skills Test Locations

Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

Map of Nevada Full Service DMV Office Locations

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